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Model Train Collecting and Model Railroads
Great Model Railroad Site for everyone interested in Model Trains,Model Railroad Layout,Model Railroad Scenery and buying and selling model trains,
Model Trains are now collected very seriously and I have also written about buying and selling model trains and other collectibles
You will also find here information on Model Train Software,HO model railroads and pretty much everything involved in Model railroading.
There's a very large selection of videos on layout and people's collections from Youtube.
Why not video YOUR setup and I'll be pleased to add it to this website after you have put it on to Youtube.Just let me know its there though !
Please also see my other Model Train Site on Hornby Dublo trains
which has more information on Hornby Dublo trainsÂ
Just click on the banner to visit their store.
How to Buy A Model Train Set
Your Choices define Your Action Plan !
Firstly are you buying a model railroad for Yourself or a Child ?If its for a Child then your option is fairly easy -
a Complete train set with locomotive,Tender,Carriages,Track and Controls will suit and this is the most basic setup you can find.
Later on you can add scenery,stations,houses and even people !
You can buy this either new from one of the companies mentioned below or used - either from an auction (like ebay) or from a fleamarket or car boot sale.
The new option is the one that I would choose as it would be very disappointing for a child to have their new train break down
If you are buying for your self then the choice is a little more difficult.
Firstly the Gauge - (Scale) this varies from TT (smallest) through gauges HO, S to OO and O - where O is the largest scale model. OO is more common in the UK.
This is REALLY important - where are you going to put your model train layout ?
If you have a spare room or attic that you can use then that's ideal - otherwise measure up your available space and next plan your layout according to the space available.
Its a good idea to start with a small model train set and build it up later as that way you'll get pleasure out of it right from the start.
You might like to consider buying a complete train set with track,controller and(if necessary) transformer.
You should also make sure you get a suitable Locomotive (your preference - old or modern according to how you plan your layout) a tender and coaches or other rolling stock.
Kits usually come either with an oval layout with a few straight pieces or as a figure of eight.
In either case you will eventually want to build up your layout to include scenery,station(s),sidings and crossings or crossover track sections.
There are huge numbers of items you can build up your layout with to look its best for you.
Some people like to choose an actual station and track layout and copy it in miniature.
This always looks very attractive and realistic.
It also helps if everything in your layout matches in historical detail and again lots of accessories are available to help you.
Whatever layout you choose,its only sensible to leave a little room for expansion,as you will regret later not having room for a new module for your system.
There are books of suggested layouts but most people prefer to use these as a starting point and to finalise their system themselves.
Slavish copying of a design can be fun at first but I believe there is more satisfaction obtained from planning and designing your own layout.
It is of course possible to buy secondhand locos and rolling stock and track seems to be very cheap at car boot sales - so that's a good efficient way to expand your layout.
Locomotives are (as I mentioned earlier) worth much more if they are in their original boxes - as is rolling stock so always store the empty boxes inside storage boxes or units to keep them safe from damage.
When buying track always ensure you buy enough straight and curved sections to complete the task !
Have Fun Choosing and Building Your System !
You ARE allowed to enjoy it you know !
Model Train Shows
- Rails on Wheels' 11th annual model train show appeals to hobbyists, others
- Roughly a dozen similar clubs and 45 vendors selling model trains and their accessories gathered at the 11th annual Southeast Michigan Model Train Show at ...
- Model train show thrills at MSU
- The Lehnerts came from Hartford to East Lansing for the Lansing Model Railroad Club's annual model train show and sale. "I liked how we could buy a lot of ...
- Field House getting ready for 52nd annual model train show
- This weekend marks the 52nd annual Appalachian Model Railroad Society Model Train Show. The show, which runs, 5 to 9 pm Friday, Nov. ...
- Model train show comes to Lansing
- By Ian Johnson (Last updated: 13 hours ago) One of Michigan's largest model railroad shows, MSU's annual Model Train Show and Sale, will hit the MSU ...
Train Simulation Software
Railking-Model Railroad Simulator
Build your own model railway and have fun with 40 different missions, and much more. Includes: the Train Encyclopedia packed with facts on train models and rail history.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/06/2009) 
Model Railway Collecting - the Truth !
Model Railways as collectibles.
Hornby Dublo was THE name in the UK then and we played with that set for hours & hours & hours.
Collecting Model Railways is now a very profitable investment opportunity - and you get some fun with them too !
But where should you buy ?
Dealers are great and very knowledgeable but for real bargains you should haunt car boot sales, charity sales at charity shops and jumble sales.
Garage sales are THE best opportunity as the owner is probably just clearing out his/her attic or garage.
Supermarkets are a great place to advertise as they get huge numbers of people reading their message boards.
Have some flyers printed with you name & mobile number advertising to buy old train sets. This works well. Pay someone trustworthy to distribute them door to door.(Not just the kid next door - he/she may get bored and just dump them !)
One thing you should get before going out to purchase is a collectors price guide - this will stop you making expensive mistakes (there are dealers out there looking for the unwary !)
The main thing is to look for sets or Locomotives in the best possible condition - WITH ORIGINAL BOXES !
There are a number of price guides available and these are listed below.
Condition can make a difference of up to 10x in value on early trains.
Don't ignore scenery and accessories though - these are also very collectable - most enthusiasts want to make permanent authentic layouts with relevant stations,crossings,points and buildings. These should preferably be unpainted (this realy drops their value)
You should also advertise in classified local newspapers and in newsagents windows - you'd be amazed at how many people just don't realise the worth of what they have.
Give your mobile phone number and be careful about visiting strangers with pocketsful of cash to buy things. Thieves rarely lure unsuspecting buyer with what seems like a great deal.Best thing in a dubious district is to meet at a fast fod restaurant or cafe and do your deal publicly.
Car boot sales - just get there 1/2 an hour before the sale begins - you'll need to grab worthwhile sets as they are unpacked - you are not the only collector around ! I buy things at boot sales by taking a place in the boot sale to resell things and then I just lock up the car and wander round while other vendors are unpacking - that's when you get the best bargains.Don't forget to take a shopping trolley to bring your catch home in !
Good luck with your bargain hunting
About Hornby Railways
Hornby Railways is the leading brand of model railway in the United Kingdom. Its roots date back to 1901, when founder Frank Hornby received a patent for his Meccano construction toy. The first clockwork train was produced in 1920. In 1938 Hornby launched its first 00 gauge train. In 1964, Hornby and Meccano were bought by their competitor Tri-Ang, and sold on when Tri-ang went into receivership. In the 1980s Hornby Railways became independent.
GREAT Xplosive Train Simulator
You can also drive the Simplon Orient Express
or Amtraks New Acela High-speed Train ? This is an Expandible simulator .Fun for the whole family.
Drive lots of steam electric and diesel trains with add-ons !
Train Simulator
Amazon Price: $44.49 (as of 12/06/2009)
This is simply the most expandible train simulator around - lots of add-ons available and versions for other Window versions too - just click and follow the links at Amazon
Lionel Locomotives for sale on eBay
To bid just click the photo
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HO scale Locomotives
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byModel Train News
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- After 14 years, train garden is an institution in Anne Arundel
- In 1947, he gave his son six model-train cars the day he was born, and they're part of his display now. Also, as a kid, Sturgeon spent lots of time at a ...
- Locomotive enthusiasts chug into Oklahoma City
- Meanwhile, children were constantly lined up along the sides of the model train track. "There's been a lot of nostalgia here,? Law said. ...
All Locomotives for sale on ebay
Click the Photo to bid
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Railway Books on eBay
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Top Train DVDs on Amazon
Huge selection of Railway related DVDs - click on more to see lots !
When Giants Roamed: The Golden Age of Steam (The History Channel)
Amazon Price: $20.99 (as of 12/06/2009)
List Price: $24.95
Used Price: $5.27
American Experience - Transcontinental Railroad
Amazon Price: $21.99 (as of 12/06/2009)
List Price: $24.98
Used Price: $13.47
Travel the World by Train: Africa
Amazon Price: (as of 12/06/2009)
List Price: $19.98
Used Price: $8.99
Luxury Trains of the World: The Blue Train of South Africa
Amazon Price: $6.98 (as of 12/06/2009)
List Price: $6.98
Used Price: $3.16
Running A Steam Locomotive Vol 1-3
Amazon Price: (as of 12/06/2009)
List Price: $49.98
Used Price:
Locomotives on Amazon
Bachmann Trains American 4-4-0 and Tender - C.P. Jupiter 60
Amazon Price: (as of 12/06/2009)
List Price: $94.99
Used Price:
Bachmann Trains 4-8-4 Northern Santa Fe (1940-1950) 3781
Amazon Price: $126.01 (as of 12/06/2009)
List Price: $184.99
Used Price:
Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Bachmann Trains Prairie 2-6-2 with Smoke and Tender - Union Pacific 1836
Amazon Price: $58.42 (as of 12/06/2009)
List Price: $94.99
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On30 Spectrum 2-6-0, Ohio River & Western BAC25229
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Athearn - HO RTR AC4400, UP/Operation Lifesaver #6736
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Train DVDs on eBay
This section shows anything Train Related
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byTrain Accessories on eBay
Don't just have a bare layout - add scenery,stations and more !
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Hornby-Dublo Model Trains on eBay
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Railroad Layout Hints and Tips
To make a moveable layout you will need a base - either a 4 foot square 5 ply board is firm and yet manageable but you can also find a secondhand door to start with.You then join them with wooden struts onto a firm base.
If you are using a door make sure its perfectly flat by nailing hardboard onto it.
Figure out where YOU are going to be (usually near a power point) - that's so you don't box yourself into a corner and have to always crawl under everything to get to the controls.
Then build out from there. So your main station or depot will be nearest the power point and you won't have too many trailing leads to fall over.
Here are suggestions from Wikipedia of actual layouts.
Track Layout - From your main station,there are four basic ways of arranging the track, and of course you'll want to make your own variations from those including spur lines and extras like crossovers and extra stations.:
Basic Starter layouts are :
A Continuous loop.
A circle or oval, with trains going round and round.Commonly used with basic train sets.
Easy to use and little to go wrong !
Point to Point.
A line with a station at each end, with trains going from one station to the other.
Best used as an extra to a main layout.
Out and Back.
A pear shaped track, with trains leaving a station, going round a reversing loop, and coming back to the same station.
A nice version of this is to have two lines with a reversing loop at each end.
Shunting.
Either a station, a motive power depot or a yard where the primary mode of operation is shunting. This includes layouts which are built as a train shunting puzzle such as Timesaver and Inglenook Sidings
Common variations:
On a point to point layout, the train can increase the time it takes to get from A to B by going around a continuous loop a few times.
Single or double track or more, so more trains can run at the same time.
Intermediate stations, to distinguish between express trains which go straight through and local trains which stop briefly.
Branch lines, to add an excuse for more stations and different types of trains.
Use of multiple levels.
Arranging the continuous loop as a figure-of-8, possibly with one track going over the other instead of having tracks crossing on the same level.
Folding one loop of a figure-of-8 over the other loop to produce a looped-8, so as to reduce the amount of space needed while keeping a long continuous run.
Using one or more fiddle yards (US: staging tracks) to represent the rest of the railway system. A fiddle yard is regarded as off-scene; it may hold multiple complete trains, and may also be subject to direct human intervention (fiddling) to re-arrange trains,
Dog-bone arrangement of a continuous loop; the sides of an oval are squeezed together so it looks like a double-track section with a loop at each end where the trains turn around.
Rabbit warren; a continuous loop folded over itself several times with multiple levels and lots of tunnels for trains to pop in and out of - often a small layout with sharp curves and short trains.
Station Layout
There are three basic types of station, and sometimes combinations of these types:
Terminus or terminal station.
As the name implies, all trains stop here, and then go back to where they came from.
Through station.
Trains can go through this station; express trains don't stop, while local trains do stop briefly before continuing their journey.
Junction.
The tracks diverge/join here.
Other factors which affect the track layout of a station include:
For passengers only, or for goods only, or for both passengers and goods.
Use of steam engines and/or diesel/electric engines.
Use of trains which can be driven from either end, e.g. Diesel Multiple Units.
The simplest possible station for passengers consists of just a platform beside the track, with no points (US: switches) or sidings. Both terminal and through stations can be as simple as this; a junction requires at least one point.
You might also like to add signal boxes,railroad crossings and a road net work to give more authenticity to your layout.
When making a layout that you will frequetly move. screw the track to the bads so that the track will butt-join from one section to another.
Make sure the track lines up with each baseboard though and try to put as few joints as possible between the modular sections.
Put your wiring wherever possible UNDER the layout to look better. I f it has to go from module to module put connecting plugs & sockets on each module.
For very large layouts use 2 or more controllers and keep the track for each separate so that you will in fact be running several different individual layouts at the same time.
You can then add nifty things like electronic timers to run individual trains so that they keep an interesting amount of motion within the whole layout.
That way you may get one train pulling into and out of a station while another is coming out of a tunnel.
These are just BASIC layouts and there are MANY good ideas elsewhere.
Go to a railroad show and you'll get lots of great ideas for your layout.
Lionel Trains on Amazon
Maxim - Wooden Lionel Erie Steam Engine w/Tender/Sound
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Maxim Lionel Steam Locomotive w/Sound, B&O
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List Price: $23.99
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Maxim Lionel Steam Locomotive w/Sound, PRR
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List Price: $15.99
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Maxim Lionel Diesel Locomotive, B&O MXI50250
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Lionel Train SANTA FE Railroad 5 1/2" Locomotive #2271 Limited Edition New
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Model Train Club
- NJ Model Train Club (part 1 lo…
- NJ Model Train Club (part 1 lots of pics) ? Slippertalk Orchid ?: HO scale is sort of medium in size, a ? http://bit.ly/81GQWW #n-scale Read more of this and other Hobby Guy adventures in Radio Control, Model Railroading, Rockets, ...
- NJ Model Train Club (part 1 lots of pics)
- this weekend the model train club of northern nj in the union, nj area was holding their show at their building behind the home depot building. NYEric is a member and mentioned that he would be helping out, and I was a few miles away so ...
- Knitting This: Holiday Express
- First there was National Train Day, then we got to ride Thomas, and a couple of weeks ago we went to the Mt. Hood Model Train Club's open house. This morning we rode the SP&S 700 through Oaks Bottom. We really lucked out. ...
- Northwestern Ill Model RR Club Open House - Page 3 - TrainBoard.com
- An open house is planned at the Northwestern Illinois Model Train Club for Saturday June 14 and Sunday June 15, from 10a.m. to 4p.m. We have an ?N? scale running up stairs on the main foor and ?HO? scale running in the basement. ...
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Model Railway Magazines
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Railroad Model Craftsman
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Model Railroad News
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Australian Model Engineering
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New Zealand Model Railway Journal
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New Guestbook
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- What would YOU like to see here ?
More layouts ?
There is a Poll for you to add to and I will add what YOU want !
Lionel Model Trains
Lionel, LLC is a designer and importer of toy trains and model railroads, based in Chesterfield Township, Michigan. Its roots lie in the 1969 purchase of the Lionel product line by cereal conglomerate General Mills.
Although Lionel, LLC now owns all of the trademarks and most of the product rights associated with Lionel Corporation, the original producer of Lionel trains founded in 1900, there is no direct connection between the two companies.
According to its reorganization papers filed as part of its bankruptcy plan on May 21, 2007, about 95 percent of the company's sales come from O gauge trains. The plan estimated that about $70 million worth of O gauge trains are sold each year, and that Lionel accounts for about 60% of that market, making it the largest manufacturer of O gauge trains.
Trains on CafePress
Red Train number 3 Infant/Toddler T-Shirt
This colorful red steam engine train t-shirt is the perfect birthday gift for that special three year old, or for that kid who just loves the number 3! Choo Choo!!
New Amazon Plexo on model Railways
Gorgeous Garden Railways by Marc Horovitz
Vivid, full-color photos capture the essence of mo more...0 points
Ho Railroad from Start to Finish (Model Railroad Handbook, No 36)
HO Railroad From Start to Finish, by Jim Kelly. If more...0 points
N Scale Model Railroad That Grows: Step-By-Step Instructions for Building Your First N Scale Layout (Model Railroader) by Kent Wood
N Scale Model Railroad That Grows, by Kent Wood, R more...0 points
Model Railroad Bridges & Trestles: A Guide to Designing and Building Bridges for Your Layout (Model Railroad Handbook, No 33)
This book teaches you how to build sturdy model br more...0 points
Guide to North American Steam Locomotives (Railroad Reference, No 8)
This book shows the fascinating history and develo more...0 points
The Model Railroader's Guide to Locomotive Servicing Terminals (Model Railroader) by Martin McGuirk
This book offers hobbyists a guide to modeling loc more...0 points
One Hundred and One Track Plans for Model Railroaders (Model Railroad Handbook, No. 3) by Linn Westcott
Easy-to-use plans in every size, shape and scale. more...0 points
N Scale Model Railroad That Grows: Step-By-Step Instructions for Building Your First N Scale Layout (Model Railroader) by Kent Wood
N Scale Model Railroad That Grows, by Kent Wood, R more...0 points
The Art of Lionel Trains by Roger Carp
The Art of Lionel Trains Reproductions of the best more...0 points
Ho Trackside Structures You Can Build (Model Railroad Handbook, No 40) by Bob Hayden
HO Trackside Structures You Can Build, from Model more...0 points
Model Railroader Cyclopedia: Steam Locomotives (Model Railroader) by Linn Westcott
Model Railroader Cyclopedia, Volume 1: Steam Locom more...0 points
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New Featured Lenses
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Titanic Tales
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The Titanic sank on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York via Cobh in Ireland on 15 April 1912 with the loss of 1,522 lives. She never made it. The White Star Line were the owners of The Titanic. In the middle of the night The Titanic struck...
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Real Pirates of The Carribean
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The Real Pirates of the Carribean were not quite as clean and friendly asCaptain Jack Sparrow Jack and his motley crew in Pirates of the Caribbean are great fun (and there's lots to see about them too !) but the real pirates were even MORE exciting.....
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Dr Who - Ultimate Time Traveller
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Ooooh careful Dr Who ! The Tardis comes to a bone-shuddering halt and Our Favourite Time Lord look up to see .... The lovely Kylie Minogue Wasn't She Brilliant ? - I loved the bit where she grabbed a box to reach up and kiss Dr Who ! p>If you missed (...
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Nail Fungus Cures
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Regrettably many of the cures don't work on bad cases of nail fungus. The main cause nowadays of nail fungus is simple - your trainers ! Every time you put on the same pair of trainers that still have the fungus spores in them you ake the situati...
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Hornby Dublo Model Railways
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From the original Meccano company, Hornby introduced a range of 00 Guage Trains in 1938. These 12 volt electric model trains were die-cast with tinplate wagons and carriage Prduction ceased during World War II and eventually started again in 1948 If you...
MODEL RAILROAD LAYOUTS - FREE !
ModelRailroadLayout.net
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